Kano State Government Moves to Regulate Media Content, Critics Say It Suppresses Political Opposition
In what the Kano State Government describes as a move to safeguard cultural and moral integrity, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, convened a high-level meeting with media executives from across the state.
The quarterly meeting, organized by the Ministry of Information, aimed to reinforce ethical journalism, promote mutual respect, and strengthen collaboration between the media and government. Comrade Waiya lauded media leaders for helping reduce unethical content, noting a decline in abusive language on public platforms.
However, the newly announced directives have sparked debate. While the government insists its intentions are to protect Kano’s cultural and religious values—not to silence dissent—critics argue that the measures amount to media censorship and suppression of political opposition.
Key resolutions from the meeting include:
All guests appearing on media platforms must sign an undertaking to refrain from making abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks.
A complete ban on live political programmes across all media outlets.
Presenters are prohibited from asking provocative questions or making gestures that could incite defamation or damage Kano State’s image.
The government also revealed that sensitization campaigns have been conducted for political broadcasters, media commentators, and religious leaders to promote responsible communication.
Despite the backlash, media executives at the meeting pledged continued cooperation, offering suggestions to further improve broadcast standards and promote a peaceful media environment.
